Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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Love At No Sight For Four-Star Running Back BY JASON SAPP he commitment of running back Jamel James happened in a flash. At least it seemed that way. T COMMITMENT PROFILE JAMEL JAMES on July 28 when Irish wide receiver pledge Corey Robinson of San An- tonio sent out a message on Twitter congratulating James on his deci- sion to join the "IrishMob13" — the nickname for Notre Dame's 2013 recruiting class. The initial reaction was "Who?" considering the fellow Texas native's name hadn't been brought up with the Irish before, but that doesn't mean his recruit- ment from Notre Dame wasn't in its latter stages. "Notre Dame came out to see A report crossed the news wire me practice during spring break," the 5-11, 215-pound four-star Katy (Texas) Cinco Ranch High player said, noting when Notre Dame started showing interest. "Coach [and offensive coordinator Chuck] Martin and [Texas recruiter and cornerbacks] Coach [Kerry] Cooks talked to my coach for a while about me and said they liked what I brought to the table." James — who is ranked by 247Sports as the No. 17 running back nationally, the No. 32 player in Texas and the country's No. 241 overall recruit — received an of- fer from Notre Dame in May, and considered others from Arkan- sas, Clemson, Florida State, LSU, Oklahoma and USC. However, his thought process kept coming back to Notre Dame. tion and play on a good team, and I know I can get that from Notre Dame." James, who had 182 rushes for Michigan game [Sept. 22] on an of- ficial visit," he said. "I can't wait to get up there. I've been talking to the IrishMob13 for a while, and I already have a great relationship with them. "That's what it's all about. I can't 1,011 yards and 16 touchdowns in his junior season, will get his first look at South Bend this season. "I'm heading up there for the wait to meet a lot of them that weekend and play with them on the same field. … It's a true family thing going on at Notre Dame." The Irish were on the lookout for one true running back in their 2013 haul, and James was the type of player they saw making an ideal fit. "James is a downhill power back Notre Dame's usage of its running backs, in- cluding lining them up at the slot receiver posi- tion, was a factor that drew James to the Irish. PHOTO COURTESY 247SPORTS where I wanted to go, but after cut- ting it down to Notre Dame, Okla- homa State and West Virginia, I just knew that Notre Dame was where I wanted to be," said James, who made his pledge without having seen the South Bend campus. "The tradition there is crazy. But I knew that before I even got offered. They love football, and the academics are top notch. It's one of the top busi- ness schools in the nation. "I want to get a good educa- "It took me a while to decide FILM ANALYSIS to block out of the backfield … Runs with power and is the initiator on contact rather than taking a hit … Makes good decisions when changing direction on a run and is able to pick up speed in the open field … Uses his off hand well to keep tacklers off of his legs and has quick footwork in traffic … Works with an offense that uses a lot of checks, so is able to handle a more complex playbook. Strengths A trait that stands out on film, which normally doesn't for players at the high school level, is his ability when breaking into a move, and keeps the ball in his left arm instead of the outside arm to put it away from the pursuing tackler … Runs fairly tall and adjusting to have more of a forward lean will have him go in the right direction on contact to pick up another yard or two on the carry … Didn't get a chance to see him work to the right side — all the handoffs on his highlight film have him moving to the left. — Jason Sapp Areas To Improve Will work to keep the ball high and tight for better protection. Has a habit of letting the ball hang low www.BLUEANDGOLD.com with above average feet and natu- ral strength and power in his hips and legs," 247Sports national ana- lyst and Texas recruiting special- ist Gerry Hamilton said of Notre Dame's 18th pledge. "His ability to run through the LEVEL WHILE TAKING ON CONTACT AND REMAINING BALANCED IS VERY IMPRESSIVE." TACKLERS AT THE HIGH SCHOOL "HIS ABILITY TO RUN THROUGH THE FIRST AND SECOND 247SPORTS NATIONAL ANALYST AND TEXAS RECRUITING SPECIALIST GERRY HAMILTON contact and remaining balanced is very impressive. "His ability out of the backfield first and second tacklers at the high school level while taking on has also impressed at times. He could be used in a number of ways at the next level." James is relieved he is done with being recruited and is only focused on one program moving forward. "It was a big-time weight off of my shoulders," he said. "I'm so glad that I was able to put it be- hind me. I have no plans on decom- mitting at all. I'm completely done with the process. I won't be taking any other visits, either. "I was able to find a place to call home." ✦ PRESEASON 2012 83